On the Shore (Cottonwood Cove, #3)(54)

“Hey, Ever,” I said, happy to see my cousin’s name on the screen.

“Hi, superstar. So, you broke the news about where Lincoln’s playing next year, and it’s all everyone is talking about here. I’m in the city with Hawk and the kids for a game, and this story is everywhere.”

“Yeah, I think people have been waiting to see what he was going to do. I know local fans won’t be thrilled, but I’m sure a lot of them will follow him to the Thunderbirds.”

“I think so, too,” she said. “The vibe I’ve heard is that everyone sort of blames Tony Anders for not protecting him.”

“It would be the truth.”

“So, are you going to tell me what’s going on with you two? First, you defend the man against a paparazzo, and don’t even get me started that Lincoln is twice your size, and you still decided to jump in. I think what people love most about that photo going viral is the way that he was looking at you.”

“What do you mean?” I asked, trying not to chuckle because it was ridiculous that I’d jumped in front of him, but I’d do it again if I felt like he was being threatened.

“Well, for starters, you’re like a fierce mama bear, ready to throw down, and he looks like—” She paused and laughed. “He’s looking at you like you set the sun, Brinks. Just complete adoration.”

“Says my cousin. Clearly, you’re reading into it a bit.” I smiled, even though I knew she couldn’t see me. These last few days had been filled with endless together time for me and Lincoln. Workouts. Sex. Laughter. Fights. Board games. Late-night dinners. And tonight, we were taking out the boat for the first time.

“Spill it, Cuzzy. Take it from someone who knows that look well.”

I sighed. We’d never kept secrets in our family. Our cousins used to spend their summers here in Cottonwood Cove, and we grew up together. “I like him.”

“You don’t say?” She oozed sarcasm. “I mean, the man is beautiful. He’s a freaking rock star on the field. And from what Georgie told me last week, you two are always together.”

“Well, I am working for him, in a way. So, we are together a lot. We’ll call that research.” I chuckled.

“I’m sure you’re very thorough.”

We were both laughing now.

“I do my best.”

“I’m guessing you’re keeping this on the down-low until the story breaks and you secure a job?”

“Absolutely. I don’t need to be known as the woman who slept her way to the top.”

“It sucks that we have to worry about that. He doesn’t have to worry about a thing, and that’s how it was with Hawk. I had to be very careful myself, and we kept it hidden for quite a while. But people are going to judge, regardless. You’re going to have people that hate you for stealing the heart of the hottest football player out there right now. Jealousy is an ugly beast.”

I hated the thought of everyone knowing and getting into our business. “Well, until I have a signed contract for a full-time position, we’ll be keeping this to ourselves. And the Thomas sisters, of course.”

“Well, you know we take it to the grave. I’m happy for you. I miss you. I’ll see you soon. We’ll all be in Cottonwood Cove for Hugh and Lila’s wedding next month.”

“I can’t wait. It’s coming up so soon. And then Paris for Georgie’s. Thank goodness you’re all married because it’s hard to keep up with these weddings.”

She laughed. “Damn straight. Maybe you’ll be next, Brinks.”

“Okay. I’m hanging up. That’s ridiculous.”

“We’ll see about that. Love you.”

“Love you more.”

I ended the call and shook my head.

Marriage wasn’t even in the realm of my imagination. Don’t get me wrong, I was thrilled for Lila and Georgia. But I had too much to accomplish before I even considered that.

Didn’t I?

Why did the thought excite me as much as it terrified me?

I looked up to see Lincoln walking toward me from the backyard. His gaze locked with mine, and I had my answer.

It terrified me because a lifetime with Lincoln Hendrix made my stomach flutter.

And that was never supposed to happen.

But here we were.





twenty





Lincoln





“Is this what you do every day?” Lionel asked after he heaved into a bush for the third time.

Brinkley stood there, rubbing her hand across his back to comfort him as she spoke. “Don’t be too hard on yourself. His workouts are not normal.”

My gaze locked with hers.

That’s right, sweetheart. My favorite workouts were with her in the bedroom at the start and end of every day.

Her cheeks pinked because she knew what I was thinking, but she rolled her eyes and smirked like I was ridiculous. This was our shtick. Me saying how crazy I was about her, and her acting like I was going to tire of her any day now.

But that wasn’t going to happen.

It was a big part of the reason that I wanted my mom to come out this weekend. I’d told her I’d met someone, and she was excited to meet Brinkley.

They were the two most important women in my life, and I wanted them to meet.